Socio-economic drivers of life satisfaction: a comparative study of low income groups in Southern Gauteng

Abstract

Life satisfaction within various South African contexts remains an important subject for both management and research practitioners. This importance emanates from the view that life satisfaction is an enduring indicator of both social and economic stability in a country. High levels of life satisfaction indicate the prevalence of prosperity in various domains of life, whereas low satisfaction with life gives a signal of instability within the same domains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on the life satisfaction of individuals residing in different townships in Southern Gauteng. Impetus for conducting the study was derived from the growing significance of the subject of life satisfaction as well as the existence of several research gaps within the South African context. Twelve socio-economic constructs were identified for the purpose of this research, namely educational level, marital status, health, per capita income, employment status, rural/urban residence, household size, religion, age, public services, poverty and gender. Hypotheses were put forward outlining the possible nature of the interplay between each socio-economic factor and life satisfaction. The study was conducted by means of a quantitative research design using the cross sectional survey approach. Respondents were composed of 298 individuals drawn from Sebokeng, 285 individuals drawn from Sharpville and 402 individuals from Sicelo townships, which are all located in Southern Gauteng. Respondents were selected using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. A three section measurement instrument was developed and administered to the respondents in November 2014. Data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0). The analyses of demographic profiles of respondents and the levels of life satisfaction in the three townships were conducted using simple descriptive statistics and the mean score ranking technique. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that there was dissatisfaction with life in Sebokeng and Sicelo, with respondents from Sharpville showing slightly higher levels of life satisfaction. Hypotheses tests using regression analyses revealed both orthodox and heterodox trajectories. On the orthodox front, the influence of education, health, employment, religion and the provision of public services on life satisfaction was consistent with conventionally accepted trends as these emerged as statistically significant in predicting life satisfaction. The results also disclosed that economic deprivation and larger household size exerts a negative influence on life satisfaction. On the heterodox side of the equation, the results revealed that marital status and gender did not predict life satisfaction across the three townships. In addition, it emerged that life satisfaction decreased with age, depicting that younger people were more satisfied with life than the elderly and this pattern was consistent in all three townships. To the residents of Sharpville, unlike those from Sebokeng and Sicelo, income did not predict life satisfaction. In addition, in Sicelo, the dominant perception was that residing in the rural areas leads to dissatisfaction with life. Overall, across the three townships, employment status emerged as the most important socio-economic factor in predicting life satisfaction. Based on these results, conclusions were drawn and policy implications for enhancing the life satisfaction of people residing in South African townships were put forward. Education could be improved through enhanced educator training in public schools, increasing the number of schools in townships and promoting further interest in mathematics and science subjects amongst learners. Increased budgetary allocations from the national treasury is needed to improve the efficiency of public health centres throughout South African townships. These funds could be channelled towards upgrading facilities, equipment and providing other resources as well as further training of public health employees. Initiatives such as increasing government spending in national projects, stimulating foreign direct investment and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures could be implemented to increase employment opportunities. Addressing gender inequality, dealing with diseases that include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, pneumonia and others that are prevalent amongst low income communities, improving the social welfare system and rural reform mechanisms could be implemented to reduce poverty in township communities. Private sector investment in rural areas should be encouraged such that companies can build manufacturing plants, depots, warehouses and other facilities, which can help to create jobs and bring improved services to rural areas. Batho Pele principles which are consultation, service standards, redress, access, courtesy, information, transparency and value for money should be enforced in order to improve the provision pf service delivery. The study is significant in terms of its theoretical and policy implications. Theoretically, the study provides a comparative impression of the current trends in life satisfaction amongst township residents who are an important cohort of society in developing economies such as South Africa. Thus, future researchers in development economics may use the results of this study as a reference benchmark in terms of literature and research methodology. Policy-wise, various organs of the state as well as non-governmental organisations that are responsible for socio-economic development, may use the study as a reference point in the generation of different initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of township dwellers.